Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: A security operation near Bitiang village in Manipur’s Noney district turned deadly Wednesday. One village volunteer died during a gunfight. Three others sustained injuries. Two CRPF CoBRA personnel also suffered splinter wounds during the 6:30 am exchange. The injured volunteers went to Noney District Hospital. The wounded CoBRA troops were moved to Imphal.
Local sources claimed over 300 CoBRA personnel swarmed a Naga Village Guard training camp. Women and youth from the Longmai area gathered in protest. They accused security forces of using excessive force against locals. The JTC-Manipur alleged the operation involved collusion with the Zeliangrong United Front (J). The council described the encounter as an "unprovoked assault" on volunteers defending ancestral lands.
The Joint Tribes Council (JTC) responded to the violence with a sweeping protest. They declared an immediate, indefinite emergency shutdown across regions inhabited by the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme communities. This halted work on national highways, railways, and other projects. Essential services like medical care, schools, water, electricity, and telecommunications remained open.
The JTC moved to lift the total shutdown on July 30. However, the economic blockade continues. The council demands justice for the killing of six Naga civilians, including two pastors, abducted from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13. Officials have yet to provide a full accounting of the Bitiang operation. No arrests have been made regarding the May killings. The JTC insists the blockade stays until the government delivers what it calls "decisive and meaningful action" against those responsible for the violence.
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